Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has stated that crucial changes have been made to the job market in a short period of time. He made the remark while speaking at the Workers' Congress of the Maldives Trade Union Congress (MTUC).
At the function, Minister Fayyaz said the administration has expanded the right of workers to speak freely about their concerns and submit complaints to the relevant authorities. He noted that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had emphasised focusing on issues related to workers, the job market, and the economy at his first cabinet meeting.
Additionally, Minister Fayyaz said the rights of workers were previously nonexistent and that the Industrial Relations Bill would provide the legal framework to fix many of the issues in the job market. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the relationship between employers and employees and developing human resources as the country’s economy grows.
Furthermore, Minister Fayyaz said that establishing the Job Centre as an office independent of the economic ministry is a major step forward, adding that the economic ministry and the Ministry of Higher Education are working together to train workers needed by businesses. He addressed the concern of the lack of workers in the tourism sector and assured the government is bringing positive changes to the job market via the Job Centre and salary increments. He called on all industries to support the government’s efforts to improve the job market.